COUNTERTECHNIQUE® & IMPROVISATION

with Mariko Koh

24.07. – 28.07.2023, 14:00–17:30

Workshop fee:
Marameo members: 20% discount on all workshops (early bird & regular fee!)
Non-members: 170€, Early Bird 155€ (until June 23rd 2023)

Level Dancers/ Advanced

Application with a short CV via workshops[at]marameo.de

Workshop Description

In this workshop, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a  two-hour full Countertechnique® class, followed by a one-hour improvisation class that builds on the memories and ideas explored in the first part of the workshop.

Countertechnique® provides tools for the body and mind to deal with the demanding dance practice of the 21st century. It is a movement system to help the dancer think about the dancing body, focusing on the process of incorporating information into action. Within a clear structure of exercises, the Countertechnique® class thoroughly prepares the body for rehearsal and performance, enabling dancers to move bigger, more fluidly and more spatially, while becoming stronger and more flexible. Dancers are encouraged to be proactive in discovering connections and solutions, to be less concerned with judging themselves and to work in a healthy way with regard to body and mind.

Countertechnique® makes daily training a valuable investment in the dancer’s own development, as well as interesting personal research. Countertechnique® was created and developed by Dutch choreographer, dancer and teacher Anouk van Dijk, former artistic director of the Australian dance company Chunky Move.

The Countertechnique® class is a contemporary dance technique class. It stretches, coordinates and strengthens the body, making the dancer sweat, build stamina and really move.

The class starts with a recurring set of exercises, allowing dancers to investigate the Countertechnique® principles in detail. The second half of the class consists of changing components, working towards luscious movement combinations. The Countertechnique® class results in dancers using less energy, losing their fear of taking risks and gaining speed in changing direction.

In the improvisation class, you will apply and create your own movement vocabulary and explore your own creative voice. You will work individually and in groups, using improvisation games and structures to generate movement material, experiment with different qualities, dynamics, and textures, and refine your skills in composition and performance. Throughout the workshop, you experience the challenges and joys of dancing. You will also have the opportunity to connect with other dancers, share your experiences and insights,

and deepen your appreciation of the art and craft of dance.

About Mariko Koh

Mariko Koh, born in Japan/Kyoto, began her dance training at Sachiko Sakon Ballet Studio and received her BA degree from Kobe College (JP) in 2012. During her studies, she was taught by Toru Shimazaki (contemporary dance), Jan Nuyts, Owen Montague (ballet) and in the Martha Graham Technique by Naoko Murakosi, Graham Mckelvie. After graduation, she was a member of the Ballet Junior de Genève (CH), and worked with Alexander Ekman, Stijin Celis, Ken Ossola, Barack Marshall, Guilherme Botelho, Cindy Van Acker and Thierry Malandain. In 2013 she became a soloist at the Stadttheater Bremerhaven. Afterwards Mariko started working as a freelance dancer all over Europe and participated in productions of Unterwegs Theater Heidelberg (DE), Grand Théâtre de la Ville du Luxembourg (LUX) and Forum Schlosspark in Ludwigsburg (DE). Since 2016 she has been working with Steptext Dance Project(DE) and in 2017 she collaborated with Maqoma Gregory from Vuyani Dance Company (ZA). In 2019 she was part of the Opera production choreographed by Fernando Melo at La Monnaie (BE), and was featured at the National Opera Comédie (FR) in 2020. In 2022 she performed in a piece by Natalie Wagner at Network International Danza Puglia (IT). She is currently a guest dancer with Of Curious Nature (DE), and was part of ORT’s new creation with Mattia Russo and Antonio de Rosa from Kor’sia (ES). Mariko is also a certified teacher of Countertechnique®.